COMMISSION OPINION

of 23 May 1979

on the application for accession to the European Communities by the Hellenic Republic

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to Article 98 of the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community, Article 237 of the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community and Article 205 of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community,

Whereas the Hellenic Republic has applied to become a member of these Communities;

Whereas in its opinion of 29 January 1976 the Commission has already been able to express its views on certain essential aspects of the problems arising in connection with this application;

Whereas the terms for the admission of the Hellenic Republic and the adjustments to the Treaties necessitated by its accession have been negotiated in a Conference between the Communities and the applicant State; whereas singleness of Community representation was ensured with due regard for the institutional dialogue provided for by the Treaties;

Whereas, on the completion of these negotiations, it is apparent that the provisions so agreed are fair and proper; whereas, this being so, the Community's enlargement, while preserving its internal cohesion and dynamism, will enable it to take a fuller part in the development of international relations;

Whereas in joining the Communities the applicant State accepts without reserve the Treaties and their political objectives, all decisions taken since their entry into force, and the action that has been agreed in respect of the development and reinforcement of the Communities;

Whereas it is an essential feature of the legal system set up by the Treaties establishing the Communities that certain of their provisions and certain acts of the Community institutions are directly applicable, that Community law takes precedence over any national provisions conflicting with it, and that procedures exist for ensuring the uniform interpretation of this law; whereas accession to the Communities entails recognition of the binding force of these rules, observance of which is indispensable to guarantee the effectiveness and unity of Community law;

Whereas the principles of pluralist democracy and respect for human rights form part of the common heritage of the peoples of the States brought together in the European Communities and are therefore essential elements of membership of the said Communities;

Whereas enlargement of the Communities through the accession of the Hellenic Republic will help to preserve and strengthen peace and liberty in Europe,

HEREBY DELIVERS A FAVOURABLE OPINION:

on the accession to the European Communities of the Hellenic Republic.

This opinion is addressed to the Council.